10. Emotional Intelligence: Looking Within and Becoming a Safe Presence

In episode 10, Kat sits down with TS Shikora, a meditation teacher, to explore his journey toward becoming an emotionally intelligent man. Together they unpack the importance of turning inward, learning to sit with discomfort, and building awareness of one’s own emotional world. This conversation highlights how emotional intelligence begins with self-connection and gradually shapes how we show up for others. TS shares how this inner work transforms the way we relate, allowing us to become a grounded and safe presence in our relationships. They also explore the connection between the body and unprocessed experiences, and how the body holds signals that guide us toward deeper understanding and healing.About the Guest and Contact InfoTS Shikora is a meditation teacher and writer.He came to meditation not as something abstract, but as a way to be with what’s actually happening — thoughts, sensations, emotions and the patterns that can quietly take over, especially in moments of tension, uncertainty or overwhelm.Much of his interest comes from lived experience: what it’s like to move through stress, overthinking, and disconnection, as well as moments of clarity, steadiness, joy, and peace.For him, meditation is not about reaching a particular state of consciousness, but about learning how to stay in contact with the present moment — not abandoning yourself in it, and growing through it.He is interested in emotional intelligence in everyday life: understanding ourselves more clearly, regulating emotions and the nervous system, and exploring how we relate to others and show up in communication with presence, understanding, kindness, and patience.A phrase he often returns to is: “We are not human doings, we are human beings.”TS offers 1:1 Intro to Meditation sessions and guided meditations for individuals and groups.If you feel drawn to connect, reach out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tshikora